Joe,
I know what you mean about the Kenmore. I have a 158.13571 that I bought new about 1978. I've sewn just about everything on that machine, drapes, couch covers, jeans, all sorts of clothes, and it powered through anything I put under the needle. It's still a great machine. I have promised it to my son, and he will get it as soon as we decide to drive the 12 hours to take it to him. I will probably miss it when it's gone.